First-ever skating rink to open on Prague's Wenceslas Square

An ice rink is set to make its debut on Wenceslas Square, opening to the public for the first time on Dec. 5. Primary schools in Prague 1 will have the opportunity to utilize the rink for a nominal fee a day earlier.

Installed in the lower section of Wenceslas Square, the ice rink is a collaborative effort between Prague City Tourism and operator Ice Tec. The rink will have its official opening on Tuesday, but from Dec. 4, primary schools in Prague 1 can already access the rink for a nominal fee. The official opening of the skating rink aligns with the St. Nicholas holiday festivities in Prague.

Offering spectacular views of the National Museum, the skating rink is being touted as the first ever to be situated on Wenceslas Square, according to sources cited by the city's tourism board.

"According to historians, skating has been one of the favorite winter pastimes of the people of Prague since time immemorial. In the last century, the frozen Vltava served the residents as a wide promenade. Today, the river is replaced by numerous ice rinks. Wenceslas Square will now have a rink for the first time ever, if you don't count the frozen pond that used to be on the former Horse Market in the Middle Ages," the city writes in a news release.

Adding to its seasonal charm, the rink is being built next to the Ice Palace (Ledový palác) the late Art Nouveau building with cubist elements designed by architect Emil Králíček and built between 1913-1915, located at the corner of Štěpánská and Wenceslas Square.

The rink will be operational daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with on-site staff offering skate rentals for a fee. The 30x12 m ice surface will be complemented by sales of refreshments and original handicrafts from local vendors.

The city will also offer skaters the chances to purchase its Prague Visitor Pass on-site, granting access to numerous monuments, including entrance to the ice rink, for free.

František Cipro, chairman of the board of Prague City Tourism, added that the goal of the project is to expand the Christmas tourism offer in Prague.

Skating enthusiasts can sharpen their blades and enjoy the winter atmosphere until Feb. 18, 2024.